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HelpEpic Test Code LAB796 Hepatitis B Virus e Antibody, Serum
Additional Codes
MML Code: HEAB
LIS Code: AHBE
NY State Approved
YesPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
HBe Antibody, SMethod Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days | |
| Refrigerated | 6 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Additional Testing Requirements
If ordered with HBVQN / Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time PCR, Serum; send separate vials.
Necessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.7 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Type
Serum SSTSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
86707
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Useful For
Determining the presence or absence of detectable hepatitis B virus e antibody in monitoring infection status of individuals with chronic hepatitis B
Determining infectivity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers
Monitoring serologic response of chronically HBV-infected patients receiving antiviral therapy
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
Special Instructions
Clinical Information
During recovery from acute hepatitis B, the hepatitis B e virus antigen (HBeAg) level declines and becomes undetectable and HBe antibody (anti-HBe) appears in the serum. Anti-HBe usually remains detectable for many years after recovery from acute hepatitis B.
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and in patients with chronic hepatitis B, positive anti-HBe results usually indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity of the patients. Positive anti-HBe results in the presence of detectable HBV DNA in serum indicate active viral replication.
For more information, see the following:
-Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
Interpretation
Absence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) with appearance of HBe antibody (anti-HBe) is consistent with inactivity of the virus and loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectivity.
Although resolution of chronic HBV infection generally follows the appearance of anti-HBe, the HBV carrier state may persist.
Cautions
For diagnostic purposes, results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and other findings.
Serum specimens from individuals taking multivitamins containing biotin or biotin supplements at 20 mg or more per day may have false-positive hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) test results due to interference of biotin with the assay. Such individuals should stop taking these biotin-containing dietary supplements for a minimum of 12 hours before blood collection for this test.
In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to analyte-specific antibodies, streptavidin, or ruthenium can occur, causing false-positive anti-HBe results. These effects are minimized by suitable test design.
Appearance of anti-HBe in serum does not completely rule-out chronic hepatitis B virus carrier state or infectivity.
Assay performance characteristics have not been established when Elecsys Anti-HBe assay is used in conjunction with other manufacturers’ assays for specific HBV serological markers.
Assay performance characteristics have not been established for the following specimen characteristics or specimen types:
-Grossly icteric (total bilirubin level of >66 mg/dL)
-Grossly lipemic (intralipid level of >2000 mg/dL)
-Grossly hemolyzed (hemoglobin level of >2000 mg/dL)
-Specimen types other than serum
Specimen Retention Time
14 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following with the specimen: